Close Topic Options

Prayer In Islam

I was reading an article today that mentioned the topic of Prayer in Islam. If I am not mistaken, I think Muslims are required to pray at least 5 times a day. I have the following questions:

1. These five times must be done at a particular time or can be done at anytime during the day? Is there a specific place?

2. Is it a "set" prayer like Catholics do? (repetitive)

3. Are these Prayers done in your native tongue?

4. What is the significance of the washing of the mouth and feet?

5. What is the significance of the special mat (sorry, I do not know if it has a special name).

6. What is the significance of Prayer in Islam? If it is to communicate with Allah, do Muslims expect an answer from Him through Prayer as well?

Islam Prayer

General: -

A. Prayers are a direct communication between the individual and the Creator.
B. There are no intermediaries or a "go-betweens".

To your questions:

1. There are 5 specific times during the day for prayers. A person can pray anywhere, in their homes, offices, etc, -- it does not have to be at a mosque [ church ].

2. The prayers are different for each time with a few constant parts.

3. It is advisable to conduct the prayers in Arabic. However, non-arabic speakers can say their prayers in their non-arabic language.

4. The washing of the mouth and feet are a part of cleansing the body before prayers. It is expected that the person has been cleansed [ had a bath/shower ] before going to pray.

5. The mat can be considered as similar to the pew in the churches.

Prayer In Islam Islam Studies

Thanks for your answers Anthony:

So basically you say in the prayer what you wish to communicate to Allah? I didn't fully grasp if these prayers are set prayers for all Muslims or you are free to say your own.

Is it only the mouth and feet? Otherwise we are speaking about taking a shower 5 times a day or more.

What about number 6?

Islam Prayer

You are welcome LDS_forever:

There are set parts of each prayer that are common to all world-wide. However, within the prayer session, the individual can include his/her personal choice on what they want to communicate/commune with the Creator.

What basically happens is this - the person is shod and also might have eaten something in the mean time. So, prior to prayer, all footwear are removed, the feet are washed, face, back of the ears, etc are washed and the mouth is rinsed - then the person proceeds to conduct his/her prayer.

Well, to that question, I would explain the answer in this manner.

A person can only pray to the creator, a person cannot expect an answer or anything from the Creator.

It is the Creator's infinite, unquestionable and sole prerogative to decide what to do.

Islam Prayer

Anthony did a good job of ansering the questions but ill add a few comments.

There is a sort of intercession called "Tawassul" or "Shafa'a" which is sort of an intermediary prayer. Its like asking someone more holy than you to pray for you to God. The ultimate goal is God but there are means or vehicles to reach God. So a Tawassul prayer to God via the Blessed Mary mother of Christ may go like "O Mary intercede for me before God, pray for me for you are closer to God."

There is a difference of opinion on this matter. The overwhelming majority opinion is that the Salaat (ritual prayer) can only be in Arabic while Du'a(personal supplication) can be in any language.

The cleaning really is just symbolic similar to baptism. So even if you have stepped out of the shower you will still need to perform the ritual ablution (wudu')

The mat (musallah, Sajjadah, Mehrab, namaazGah) is not really necessary, it just makes the prayer more comfortable and personal.

I don't quite understand the question. Do you mean EVERY prayer must be answered?

Prayer In Islam

Karbala:

I meant, if when you are praying you have a question for Allah if you expect to receive an answer from Him through prayer and if so, how does the answer is manifested?

Prayer Islam

Gentle path to Islam

He dips his feet in the water, rubbing between the toes. Then there are his hands and forearms, scrubbed as though by a surgeon prepping for theatre. His neck is doused, his face is splashed, his mouth is rinsed repeatedly. Yousuf Albalushi, my guide, is a dutiful Muslim and there are no short cuts in the ritual ablutions before prayer. Allah knows if you've washed behind your ears. Ref. Source 8